MARCH 7--The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation met today in Washington, D.C. for its winter business meeting to present the Chairman’s Award, issue the Rightsizing Task Force’s final report to the public, entertain motions on involving all people in historic preservation and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, and discussing Section 106 issues, among others.

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis was on hand to administer the oath of office for ACHP Chairman Wayne Donaldson and Vice Chairman Clement Price. He also said the convergence of the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act and the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service offers an opportunity to “build a much deeper relevance with the American people to invest in the stories of all Americans.” He suggested the historic preservation community needs to “put its shoulders behind this (including advocating for full funding of the Historic Preservation Fund) to engage all Americans.”

The Chairman’s Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation went to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and the C&O Canal Trust for its innovative Canal Quarters program. Read more here.

The ACHP’s Rightsizing Task Force has completed its report of policy recommendations for legacy cities. Read the report here.

The ACHP is co-hosting a summit in the Northern Plains to meet with Indian tribes, industry representatives, government leaders, and others to discuss ways to improve working relationships in Section 106 in the region. It is scheduled for May 7-8 in North Dakota.

A task force of council members is traveling to California next week to inform their pending report on the historic preservation concerns regarding disposal of United States post offices. This report has been mandated by the federal budget bill and will be delivered to Congress April 17.

ACHP staff will be formalizing language for an Executive Order regarding encouragement of federal agencies to advance the effort to engage underserved Americans in the national historic preservation movement. Council members also endorsed the concept of a proposed plan for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the NHPA and participating with a coalition.

Members also heard from the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Railroad Administration regarding the upcoming Program Comment that will be sent to the council members soon. It responds to a national initiative to improve rail safety and hopes to streamline Section 106 work.

The ACHP will host its summer business meeting July 16-17 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.